Students from the Class of 2023 gathered in the Master’s Garden on 25 June for this year’s Graduand Garden Party, marking the end of their time as undergraduates and the beginning of their connection as alumni of St John’s.
Students, Fellows and staff attended the event, which has become a regular part of the end-of-year calendar. It provides an opportunity to recognise what students have achieved and to mark their transition into the alumni community.
During the afternoon, the Master, Heather Hancock, welcomed the students and congratulated them on reaching this milestone. She spoke about the strength of the College’s alumni community – now more than 14,000 strong – and the opportunities that come with remaining part of it, as well as the important role alumni play in supporting St John’s.
The Master also highlighted the impact of philanthropy at the College, including the Dobson Free Places scheme. The Fund will support 40 free places at any one time, providing tuition fees and maintenance support for talented students from lower-income backgrounds. She spoke about the remarkable support the initiative has already received from the Johnian community and invited students to consider how they might contribute to opportunities for future generations.
Her remarks reflected the spirit of the Go Forward, Give Back (GFGB) campaign, the College’s graduand giving programme, which invites students to support future generations and help widen access to a St John’s education.
Support from this year’s cohort has been especially encouraging. So far, 40% of the graduating class have taken part in the Go Forward, Give Back campaign, raising £663.08 for the Dobson Free Places scheme, including matched funding. Their support has also unlocked a further £1,250 pledged by an alumnus, increasing the impact of gifts made by this year’s students.
Twelve students have already joined the College through Dobson Free Places through the pilot awards. Support from this year’s graduating class will help ensure that future generations of Johnians have the opportunity to do the same.
The Go Forward, Give Back campaign remains open until 31 July. Every gift, whatever its size, contributes to a collective effort to widen access and support future generations of Johnians.